An IT employee accused her supervisor of sexual harassment because she believed his usage of “xx”, “yy”, and “????” in an email requesting more information was a coded method of requesting sexual relations.
Karina Gasparova also said that when Alexander Goulandris renamed a work file ‘ajg,’ it was an abbreviation for “A Jumbo Genital.”
Ms. Gasparova’s understanding of events was deemed “skewed” by the employment tribunal at London Central Court.
As an IT employee sues her boss believing ‘xx’ in the email were kisses, her allegations were dismissed.
Ms. Gasparova worked as a project manager at essDOCS’s London office, which delivers “paperless trade solutions.”
She filed a complaint with the tribunal, alleging sexual harassment, discrimination, and unjust dismissal.
The tribunal heard she thought her superior, Mr. Goulandris was “trying to chat her up” on work calls when discussing business, and that he would gaze at her.
It was also stated that Mr. Goulandris’s email correspondence hinted at a wish to “engage in sexual acts.”
Presented as evidence, the email from Mr Goulandris read:
“Can you please complete the following:
The solution us currently used by xx Agris companies and yy Barge lines in corn cargoes in south-north flows in the ???? waterways.
Also, can you remind me of what the balance of the rollout will be and the approx. timing.
Ms Gasparova, who represented herself, argued the ‘xx’ referred to kisses, ‘yy’ to sexual contact and ‘????’ as a coded way of asking “when she would be ready” to engage in sexual acts.
However, the tribunal panel stated that it was a “genuine request for information” and did not indicate anything sexual.
Mr Goulandris was also accused of saying “have a nice evening” in a “alluring voice,” according to Ms Gasparova.
She also alleged he purposefully touched her hand while reaching for a computer mouse.
The panel ruled that neither encounter was sexual in nature, and both were dismissed.
Ms Gasparova told the panel that Mr Goulandris was “rich and powerful” and that a “man in his position” would be “too clever” to make blatant advances.
She submitted a formal grievance letter in April 2021 against Mr Goulandris but resigned after it was rejected, the hearing was told.
The claims from Ms. Gasparova were called a “skewed perception of everyday events” by the tribunal panel, which also said she “demonstrated a tendency to make extraordinary allegations without evidence”.
Ms Gasparova’s claims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and unfair dismissal were rejected and she was ordered to pay £5,000 costs to essDOCS.
Also read: Six female teachers arrested for Sexual misconduct with students in US
